Zambrano's mother rescued from kidnappers in Venezuela

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Victor Zambrano's cousin, Richard Mendez Zambrano, was kidnapped and later killed shortly before his mother was kidnapped. AP

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- The mother of former major league pitcher Victor Zambrano was rescued after a three-day kidnapping ordeal, Venezuelan authorities said on Wednesday.

The 56-year-old Elizabeth Mendez Zambrano was rescued late Tuesday during a "commando-style operation" in the central state of Aragua, Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores Trosel said.

Zambrano said having his mother alongside him again was a "great joy."

"I never thought we could be together again so soon," he said.

Trosel said Mendez Zambrano was held in a makeshift dwelling near a highway, where she was only once offered food.

Three men have been detained, including two brothers and one man wanted for homicide, Trosel said. He said a fourth suspect has been identified, a 24-year-old man wanted nationally for homicide and robbery.

Police said seven armed men burst into Mendez Zambrano's home at her son's farm near Maracay on Sunday morning and kidnapped her because they didn't find large amounts of cash and jewelry.

Zambrano's mother was abducted nine days after the former big league pitcher's cousin, Richard Mendez Zambrano, was kidnapped and later killed. Police have declined to comment on whether the two incidents were related.

Zambrano played for Tampa Bay, the New York Mets, Toronto and Baltimore over seven seasons. The right-hander had a career record of 45-44 with a 4.64 ERA.

He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2007, and plays in Venezuela's winter league.

Crime is rampant in Venezuela and the families of wealthy athletes are periodically targeted by criminals. Another former major league player, Jose Castillo, said he was robbed by armed men on motorcycles as he left his luxury hotel in a taxi on Tuesday on the way to Caracas stadium.

Castillo, who plays for the Caracas Lions, said the robbers took his gold chain and wedding ring.

In June, Colorado catcher Yorvit Torrealba's son and brother-in-law were kidnapped and released a day later.

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